Apparatus for removing appendages from avian species by using electrodes to induce a current through the appendage

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for removing appendage tissue from avian species such as domestic fowl and principally from commercial chickens and turkeys is disclosed. When the appendage is the beak, the method is known as debeaking and the invention is a method comprised of the step of burning and simultaneously cauterizing a hole through a portion of a bird&#39;s beak in order to damage the tissue and precipitate eventual rejection thereof outwardly from the point of damage, and apparatus which includes means adapted to position the bird&#39;s beak between and in contact with opposing electrodes projecting into the apparatus which effect the burning as aforesaid. A power source for the electrodes providing an open circuit voltage of sufficient magnitude to initiate current flow through the beak when opposing sides of the beak contact the electrodes. With current flow initiated, the power souce current increases toward a maximum short circuit value sufficient to cause burning of the portion of the beak between the electrodes, while the voltage drops to a value sufficient to maintain the desired current. The preferred control for the power source determines a time integral of current flowing through the bird&#39;s beak and, upon reaching a predetermined time integral of current value, the control de-energizes the power source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing appendagesfrom avian species. More specifically, this invention relates toremoving a portion of the beak of a domestic fowl, in particular,commercial chickens and turkeys.

In the poultry industry, losses primarily occur in flocks from diseaseand cannibalism. In the latter regard, birds confined in common closequarters exhibit a tendency to peck each other around the comb and/ortail regions and pull feathers. When the pecking produces a break in abird's skin and a blood spot appears, other birds will constantly peckthe bird until it is killed. Although this phenomena is not as tellingas the occurrence of a disease might be, the loss of a few birds on adaily basis increases to significant numbers in the poultry meat and eggproducing industry.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

In an effort to eliminate cannibalism and thereby reduce bird losses,various debeaking apparatus have been designed for the poultry industry.Such devices have generally employed either a knife device to amputate aportion of the bird's beak or a heated knife to blunt and damage orremove the tip of the beak.

Among the various devices which have been made available to theindustry, those referred to hereinafter are representative of those inthe prior art and generally describe those which have been devised in anattempt to provide poultrymen with a satisfactory apparatus.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,390,679 issued to Leon C. Turner discloses a beaktrimming device whereby the upper and lower beaks are trimmedsimultaneously. When employing this device, care must be exercised bythe use of a tongue depressor to avoid amputating the bird's tongue.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,654 issued to Jesse W. Lockmiller is concerned witha combination debeaking-vaccinating device for performing the twooperations at the same time.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,812,857 issued to James Lyon utilizes a heated cuttingand cauterizing blade which shears off and cauterizes the end of thebeak.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,487 issued to Lamar W. Reynolds also employs acombination cauterizing element and vaccinator with an attached countingdevice. As in other devices of this type, the operator must place histhumb at the base of the skull and his forefinger around the base of thelower beak and gently squeeze to force open the beak of the bird.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,425 issued to John S. Goodling and Gayner R.McDaniel discloses a poultry beak remover whereby an electric potentialgenerates a spark across the top of a bird's beak to burn a portionthereof.

While the devices disclosed above have sought to solve the problem ofeffectively and efficiently debeaking poultry, the results have not beensatisfactory. The efficiency of the devices is related in part to theskill of the operator. Accordingly, there is a wide variation indebeaking uniformity, effectiveness and permanency. Moreover, thedevices often impart a significant trauma and initial beak tendernesswhich impairs normal feeding and weight gain in young birds.

The foregoing limitations are exacerbated in reference to the broilerindustry where the economics of handling birds which will be marketed ineight weeks or so dictates debeaking the bird at the hatchery eventhough the bird is only a day or two old. At this age the bird is smalland somewhat fragile. Accordingly, the debeaking process tends to besomewhat guarded and frequently ineffective.

In raising pullets the above situation is partially relieved by allowingthe chick to reach an age of six days or more before debeaking. Thedifficulty with this partial solution, however, is that the chicks mustbe manually caught which is time-consuming and expensive.

The foregoing brief description of the problem in the art to which thepresent invention is addressed, particularly those for providing meansfor effectively and efficiently debeaking birds, is overcome by theprovision of the novel debeaking apparatus and method of the presentinvention described hereinafter in detail. The term "debeaking" as usedherein refers to the removal of a portion of the upper or lower beak orto the removal of a portion of both beaks sufficient to reduce oreliminate the use of the beak in pecking other chicks and other reasonsdescribed herein, and not necessarily to removal of the entire beak asthe term might literally denote.

Also, it should be understood that while the following description isconcerned with removing a portion of the upper beak from young fowl, theremoval of a portion of the lower beak is also within the purview of thepresent invention. The simultaneous debeaking of a portion of the upperand lower beaks is also within the purview of and is readily effected bythe present invention. The present invention also contemplates theremoval of a toe or toes from a male to prevent injury to a femaleduring mating, from a female to prevent injury when housed in a cage, aswell as removal of a toe or toes from both male and female foridentification purposes. The term appendage is therefore used herein togenerically define the class of members or parts thereof which may beremoved from fowl. In view of the overwhelming commercial application todebeaking, the latter is only described herein in detail.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Objects of the invention are to provide:

A novel method and apparatus for removing appendages from avian species.

A novel method and apparatus for debeaking poultry wherein the debeakingoperation may be accurately performed at a rate greater than previouslyknown systems.

A novel method and apparatus which will enhance the uniformity of thedebeaking process even in connection with birds having beaks withslightly variant physical dimensions.

A novel method and apparatus which will minimize trauma to the bird anddisruption to the bird's ability to eat and drink immediately followingthe debeaking operation.

A novel debeaking method and apparatus which is sanitary and reduces thedegree of odor emitted by at least some previously known devices.

A novel method and apparatus for debeaking fowl which is safe tooperate.

A novel debeaking method and apparatus which may advantageously beaccurately utilized by operators with a minimum amount of training andprior experience.

A novel method and system for removing appendages from avian species,particularly for debeaking fowl, wherein the appendage is insertedbetween electrodes to complete an electrical circuit through theelectrodes and the appendage, the electrodes being supplied by a powersource that causes sufficient current flow through a desired portion ofthe appendage so as to damage that desired portion, the power sourceinitially providing a high voltage to initiate current flow and thenproviding a substantially lower voltage after current flow is initiated.

A novel debeaking method and apparatus which may be facilely adjusted toaccommodate electrode usage and wear.

A novel debeaking method and apparatus which exhibits a long operationallife without requiring frequent replacement of key operating elements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the subject invention which is intended toaccomplish at least some of the foregoing objects comprises a debeakerhaving a mask and mask holder connected to a control and power housing.A pair of electrodes extend from the housing through the mask holder andproject into the mask for direct contact with opposing lateral surfacesof a bird's beak, preferably the upper beak. The electrodes areenergized by a power source having characteristics such that there isinitially supplied an open circuit voltage of sufficient potential tocause the initiation of current flow through the bird's beak uponcontact of the electrodes by the opposing surfaces of the beak. Uponinitiation of current flow, current flow rapidly increases to a valuesufficient to cause burning of the portion of the beak between theelectrodes. The power supply is such that the current value will besufficient to cause burning but will not exceed a predetermined maximumshort circuit value. As current flow increases, the voltage across theelectrodes drops toward a value sufficient to maintain current flow atthe sufficient burning value but substantially lower than the opencircuit voltage value.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that control of thepower supply between on (energized) and off (de-energized) conditionsmay be accomplished in various ways. In the preferred control of theinvention, time integral of current is directed from the electrodesthrough the bird's beak to damage the beak by resistance heating. Thetime integral of current is monitored by the control unit and uponreaching a predetermined level the electrode circuit is opened by asuitable electronic switch to terminate the debeaking process. Within afew days the bird's beak will further deteriorate at the resistancepoint and the tip of the upper beak will fall off, leaving a bluntedupper beak. It will be appreciated that the apparatus and methodaccording to the invention provides a substantially uniform andcontrolled amount of energy to the beak of a bird, thereby enhancinguniformity and quality of the debeaking process. The energy applied tothe bird's beak burns a hole through the beak in such a manner that theyoung bird suffers minimal trauma and simultaneously cauterizes thetissue. Debeaking by use of the invention moreover does not prevent thebird from partaking of solid and liquid nourishment during the initialgrowth period. The novel apparatus and method further provides for amaximum debeaking process and effectively protects the operator from thehigh voltage used in the process.

Moreover, it will be seen that various portions of appendages, e.g., aportion of both the upper and lower beaks may be removed by placement ofthe beak so that the electrodes contact the top of the upper beak andthe bottom of the lower beak at the same time. Also, various appendagesmay be removed by appropriate modification of the mask to properlyreceive and guide the particular appendage being removed. The mask canalso be molded to conform to the shape of the appendage which is to beremoved.

THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the inventionincluding a housing for containing electrical power apparatus andcontrols, and a burn unit attached thereto for receiving the beak of ayoung chick;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the debeaking apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred power source andelectrode arrangement according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the debeaker burn module partiallydiassembled;

FIG. 4 is a sectional plan view taken along the horizontal mid-point ofthe mask means including a pair of opposing adjustable electrodes anddiagrammatically showing a chick with beak between and in contact withopposing electrodes ready for treatment;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the mask showing the position of a bird'sbeak and the desired effect of the burn operation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventionincluding a housing and a burn unit, wherein control of the unit isautomatic;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a power circuit and controlsystem in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an analog to digital converter circuit formonitoring current flow through a bird's beak; and

FIG. 9 is a basic flow diagram in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the preferredappendage removal apparatus, debeaking apparatus 10, is shown comprisedgenerally of a power and control unit 20 and a novel burn module 30having electrodes 40 and 42 located on opposite sides thereof, and achick receiving mask means generally indicated as 45 on the front wallthereof. The power and control unit 20 is adapted to utilize aconventional source of electric current (e.g., 110 volt, 50 or 60cycles) to power the debeaker. Accordingly, a grounded plug 60 andflexible conductor 62 are input to unit 20 through fuse 64 and poweron-off switch 66.

On the front panel of the power and control unit housing is fitted anindicator lamp 68 suitable to signal when the apparatus is "on" and in aready condition. Also, a suitable conventional counter 71 may beprovided to keep track of the number of birds debeaked.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the mask means 45 is comprised of a frontal facemask 50, preferably formed integrally with an exhaust tube 70 whichfeeds into an exhaust conduit 74.

The exhaust conduit 74 may be connected to any conventional source ofnegative pressure, not shown. Accordingly, ambient air may be drawn intothe exhaust system through the mask to cool the electrode tips andremove any vaporized beak matter through tube 70.

As will be described hereinafter in greater detail, the electrodes 40and 42 extend adjustably into the exhaust tube 70 immediately behind theface mask 50. These electrodes are connected to the power source (FIG.2B) through the provision of connector pins 94 and 96 that engage theelectrodes and provide an electrical path thereto.

The debeaker and a preferred form of a power supply system is shownschematically in FIG. 2B. The grounded plug 60 is operable to connect toan alternating voltage source through the fuse 64 and the on-off switch66 to a primary winding 78 of a grounded super isolation constantcurrent step-up transformer 82 having very low primary to secondarycapacitance. The secondary winding 90 of the isolation transformer 82 isconnected through the connector pins 94 and 96 to the electrodes 40 and42 as was mentioned previously.

It can be seen that the transformer 82, when energized, is the powersource for the electrodes 40 and 42. The application of power to thetransformer and thus to the electordes is, of course, controlled by theswitch 66 but may alternatively be controlled by an automatic controlcircuit as is hereinafter described. One aspect of the inventioninvolves the power source and electrode arrangement and it will beappreciated that various controls may be used in conjunction therewith.For example, control may be accomplished by a conventional analog orother type timing circuit that detects the initiation of current flow tothe electrodes and de-energizes the power source or otherwise cuts offcurrent flow after a predetermined time period.

To provide the desired voltage/current characteristics, the power sourcepreferably has an interdependent voltage/current characteristic suchthat a first voltage of sufficiently high value to initiate current flowthrough the fowl's beak with the beak in contact with the electrodes(e.g., 1200 volts) is initially present between the electrodes 40 and 42with no current flowing between the electrodes. This voltage may bereferred to as the open circuit output voltage of the power source.

When the beak is inserted between the electrodes, current flow isinitiated between the electrodes through the beak. The power sourcecharacteristics are such that this current flow is limited to apredetermined maximum root mean squared value (e.g., 1.5 amperes). Thismaximum current value, which may be reached if the beak provides a lowresistance of several hundred ohms or less between the electrodes, maybe referred to as the short circuit output current.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a power sourcehaving the foregoing characteristics is provided by employing a constantcurrent 10:1 step-up super isolation transformer which is designed tooperate from a 120 volt input and provide a 1200 volt no-load or opencircuit output voltage. The short circuit characteristics of thetransformer are such that it supplies about 1.5 amps to a range of loadsbetween zero and several hundred ohms. Thus, a high voltage, currentinitiating potential is provided at the electrodes, and the virtualshort circuit formed across the electordes through the beak causes amaximum of about 1.5 amperes to flow through the beak.

It can be seen that the super isolation constant current transformer 82eliminates the likelihood that an operator could receive a detectableshock from the subject invention and thus significantly enhances safetyand operator acceptance of the device. Moreover, highly desirableburning results are achieved in a readily controllable manner.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the burn module is shown in detail inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Burn module 30 is comprised of upper and lower blocks 100 and 102,preferably of relatively hard, heat resistant, nonconductive plastic,ceramic, or similar material. The blocks are designed to sandwichtogether, being held by conventional threaded fasteners 104. Also, asshown, the blocks are suitably molded or bored to receive mask means 45and hold in place the various components of the burn module whenassembled together as shown in FIG. 1.

The electrodes 40 and 42 are comprised of metallic rods 110, 112,preferably of tungsten or other long-lasting material, adjustably heldon opposite sides of tube 70 by non-conductive thumb screws 114, 116threaded into blocks 100, 102, and by fixed metallic conductor bushings120, 122. These metallic rods extend through bushings 120, 122 toproject into the mask means through apertures 130, 132 in tube 70immediately behind mask 50. Apertures 130, 132 are shown as round holesof slightly larger diameter than rods 110, 112. Tube 70 can containseveral apertures 130, 132 spaced longitudinally or apertures 130, 132can be a single elongated aperture. Metallic rod terminals 140, 142 aretherefore established in substantially opposed spaced-apart relationshipwithin tube 70 as is best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The position ofthe terminals with respect to apertures 130, 132 can be varied asdesired depending on bird size and species by adjusting mask means 45inwardly or outwardly with respect to blocks 100, 102. A knurled section134 on tube 170 may be provided to increase the friction hold of themask means in the burn module.

The connector pins 94 and 96 extend through mounting collars 150 and 152to leads 160 and 162 which, in turn, project through the hollow routedzones 164 and 166 and into electrical contact with metallic cylindricalbushings 120, 122, thus supplying electrical communication with thepower source as described above in connection with FIG. 2B. The tips ofleads 160 and 162 are connected to the bushings. The cylindricalbushings 120, 122 initimately fit and are held by blocks 100, 102,within a suitable bore as shown and are provided with axial centralbores dimensioned to receive in intimate electrical contact electroderods 110, 112 which, as mentioned above, are operably translated towardand away from each other by manipulation of the thumb screws 114, 116.The optimum spaced apart relationship of the terminals will varydepending upon the bird species being processed and the location of theburn desired. Since it is desired, in the preferred embodiment of theinvention, to burn a substantially cylindrical hole in the upper beak,an electrode rod 110, 112 of round cross section is used; however,electrodes of other cross sectional configurations may be employed.Debecking mask 50 is generally shaped and adapted to receive the chickface whereby the beak can protrude through an opening 180 and intocontact with electrode terminals 140, 142. Mask 50 and tube 70 arepreferably made from quartz, although hard glass or another materialsuch as alumina or lava having the properties of being heat-resistantand long-wearing for repeated usage up to several thousand times per dayare also suitable.

In operation an operator axially adjusts the mask means 45 and positionsthe electrode tips such that proper location of terminals 140, 142,which may be bent or otherwise physically adjusted if need be, isachieved for the size of the birds to be debeaked. Thus, the terminaltips are spaced apart the approximate thickness of the beakanticipitated and at a level adjacent the portion of the beak to beremoved. The unit is energized by actuation of switch 66 which turns onlamp 68 to signal a ready condition.

A chick's beak is then funneled into mask 50 and into direct physicalcontact with the terminals 140, 142 of the electrodes (as shown in FIGS.4 and 5).

This completes the circuit and current is passed through the bird's peakwhich burns a hole through the beak by resistance heating. The burningoperation will typically entail less than one second to sufficientlydamage the beak tissue and concomitantly cauterize the interior surface.Within a few days the tip of the upper beak will slough off.

It can be seen that with the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 1 and 2B, the power source is energized as long as the switch 66 isclosed. Thus, the operator must control the duration of current flowthrough the bird's beak either by removal of the beak from the mask 50after a brief period or by opening the switch 66 after such period(removal of the beak being preferred). This type of operation is quitesatisfactory for most applications of the invention, particularly sincethe relative simplicity of the system makes it quite economical both ininitial cost and to operate. Of course, a certain amount of operatorskill is required and slightly differing total electrical energy levelsmay be applied to the beaks of the birds due to differences in time ofapplication, total current value reached, etc.

Accordingly, automatic control of the power source may be providedeither on a fixed time basis as was previously indicated or on the basisof a time integral of current as is described hereinafter in connectionwith FIGS. 6-9 wherein like numerical designations have been used tosignify elements previously discussed.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the debeaking apparatus 200 generally comprisesa power and control unit similar to that shown in FIG. 1 except thatadditional controls and indicators have been added. The unit includesthe burn module 30, electrodes 40 and 42 located on opposite sidesthereof, and the chick receiving mask means 45 previously described. Thepower and control unit is adapted to utilize a conventional source ofelectric current to power the subject debeaker. Accordingly, thegrounded plug 60 and flexible conductor 62 are input to the unit throughthe fuse 64 and power on-off switch 66 as in the FIG. 1 embodiment.

The control unit is fitted with an indicator light 68 suitable to signalwhen the apparatus is on and with an array of photo-decimal displaywindows 202 to provide a decimal or other suitable display of desiredinformation with a plurality of light emitting diodes or the like. Thisvisual display array may be programmed to present a variety ofparameters such as the total number of debeaks performed since the unitwas turned on; the number of debeaks in a batch, i.e., 100 chicks perbox is typical; the energy content of the burn; the rate of debeaks perhour based on the previous two minutes, etc.

Display control is effected through a rocker switch 204 which may berolled up or down to select the display. Once selected the display maybe modified by rolling a second rocker switch 206 up or down. Further, abatch count reset switch 208 may be utilized to zero a batch count asdesired.

The top panel 210 is also fitted with a burn complete light 212, anoptional batch count alarm 214 and a ready light 216, which indicateswhen an operator should insert a bird's beak into the mask means 45.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there will be seen a schematic representationof a preferred form of a debeaker control system in accordance with theinvention.

The grounded plug 60 is operable to connect to a conventional domesticpower source to the transformer 82 which supplies the electrodes 40 and42 as described previously. The circuit for current flow through theprimary winding may be interrupted by a suitable conventional solidstate relay 222 which is controlled by a control circuit 246. Power forthe logic and other circuits in the circuit 246 is supplied through atransformer 240 that feeds a regulator 242 in a conventional manner. Thepower regulator 242 in turn provides power to drive a microcomputer 244mounted upon a printed circuit board 247.

In addition to the safety provided by the isolation transformer 82previously described, appropriate interlocks may be provided for theprotection of the operator. For example, an interlock 236 may beconnected to the case, requiring that the case be closed and securebefore the debeaking operation may begin.

Current flowing through the electrodes 40 and 42 is continuouslymonitored by a current transformer 248 which feeds into an analog todigital converter 250.

In this connection, FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an analog todigital converter in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention. More specifically, AC output current from the secondary ofthe current transformer 248 is fed into a bridge rectifier 300. Outputfrom the rectifier is fed through an RC filter 302 creating a pulsatingDC voltage proportional to the current flowing in the beak which is fedinto the high side of a series of comparators 304, 306 and 308.

A five volt reference voltage is received from the power regulator as at310 and is input into a series of resistive divider circuits 312, 314and 316 which in turn provide a reference voltage into the low side ofthe comparators 304, 306 and 308. The resistances in the resistivedivider circuits 312, 314 and 316 are sized to input a value into thelow side of comparator 304 which is 40% of full power current in theinput line. In a similar manner the low side of comparators 306 and 308are provided with 60% and 80% respectively of full power current in theinput line.

A comparison is made between the monitor current in the input line withthe 40%, 60% and 80% threshold values each half cycle of the inputcurrent. If a current greater than 40% of the optimum current value ismonitored through the input line, then a binary signal of 0011 having adecimal value of 3 will be transmitted to the microcomputer 244. If themeasured current value is greater than 60% of optimum, then a binarysignal of 0111 (having a decimal value of 7) will be transmitted to themicrocomputer. Finally, if the measured current value is greater than80%, then a binary signal of 1111 (having a decimal value of 15) isinput to the microcomputer each half cycle.

The microcomputer 244 is of a known commercial design and includes aconventional microprocessor unit, powered by 12 and 5 volts, d.c., fromregulator 242, a static memory interface, and a 512 byte programableread only memory.

The comparator input values are samples by the microprocessor unit whensignaled by a zero crossing detector that the current is at maximum andsubtracted from a predetermined value, empirically determined to provideoptimum debeaking results. This periodic sampling and subtracting toreduce the predetermined value to zero is, in essence, an integration ofthe monitored current value and control as a function of the timeintegral of current. In this manner, the total energy of each burn ismaintained at a relatively uniform value despite possible variations incurrent flow during the burn.

When the predetermined value is reduced to zero or less themicrocomputer de-energizes the solid state relay 222 through an outputdriver. De-energizing the relay 222 simultaneously turns off the readylight 216 and a burn complete light 212 is signaled on by the driver280.

An operator then removes the bird and after a short interval to performcounting functions, which will be discussed more fully below, the relayis re-energized, the ready light comes on and the process is repeated.

One empirical time/current integral value which has been found toproduce desirable debeaking results is 100. Accordingly, for good beakcontact with the electrode tips and this steady current flow theresistance burn interval may be 0.1 to 0.2 seconds. When this debeakingrate is compared with previously known rates of 2 or 3 seconds, it willbe realized that the subject invention provides a marked improvement inthe time required for the debeaking process.

The FIG. 7 embodiment of the subject invention further possesses acommunication and record-keeping capability through the multifunctionLED display array 202. A variety of performance parameters may beflashed on the display panel from the microcomputers 244 such as thenumber of debeaks performed since the unit was turned on; the number ofdebeaks per hour based on the previous two minutes; the number ofdebeaks in a batch; the energy content of a burn, etc.

The desired display is selected by rolling the rocker arm switch 204either up or down. A coded value representing the selected display willappear in window 284 and the actual reading will appear in the array ofLED windows 285. Moreover, certain parameters may be modified by firstselecting the parameter by switch 204 and then modifying the parametervalue up or down using rocker switch 206.

In some instances it may be desirable to insure an accurate batch ofchicks. In this event a batch count reset button 208 is punched at thebeginning of a debeaking process. The desired batch number may be inputto the microprocessor and upon debeaking that number a light 214 will belit to signal completion of the batch.

In one embodiment of the invention information stored in themicroprocessor may be fed through a serial link interface 292 to otherdebeaking units or central communication center for control purposes asdesired.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there will be seen a basic flow diagram for adebeaking sequence in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

When the unit is powered on by closing switch 66 the system isinitialized. The microcomputer integrated circuits, essentially themicroprocessor SMI, and PROM, set up scratch pad memory with defaultvalues of burn energy, batch quantity, total (0), rate (0), etc. andperforms other preparatory functions prior to entering into debeakercontrol.

Any one of a plurality of different parameters may be displayed by thedebeaker LED array as previously discussed by selection of a parametercode which is rolled up on window 284. Further, a parameter may bemodified by rolling the parameter value up or down using the rockerswitch 206.

The initiation and progress of burn is monitored by the microcomputervia the analog to digital converter 250 until a prescribed amount ofenergy is dissipated in the burn or until a maximum time has elapsed, asin an aborted debeaking attempt, whereupon the burn is stopped, thecurrent is turned off momentarily and the relevant counters are updated.

Any calculations of rate, etc. are performed, the information istransmitted to a central control if desired and the control logic isrepeated.

In operation an operator axially adjusts the mask means 45 and positionsthe electrodes, which may be bent or otherwise physically adjusted ifneed be such that proper location of the electrodes is achieved for thesize of the birds to be debeaked. Thus, the terminal tips are spacedapart the approximate thickness of the beak anticipated and at a leveladjacent to the upper portion of the beak. The unit is energized byactuation of switch 66 which turns on lamp 68 to signal a readycondition.

A chick's beak is then funneled into mask 50 and into direct physicalcontact with the electrodes 40, 42.

This completes the circuit and current is passed through the bird'supper beak which burns a hole through the beak by resistance heating.The burning operation will typically entail less than one second tosufficiently damage the beak and concomitantly cauterize the interiorsurface. Within a few days the damaged beak portion will continue todeteriorate and the tip of the upper beak will slough off.

In describing a method and apparatus for debeaking domestic fowl inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, those skilledin the art will recognize several advantages which singularlydistinguish the invention from previously known methods and apparatus.

A particular advantage of the present invention is that the chick's beakis not removed immediately as is the case of the prior art devices butoccurs three to five days after the debeaking process. During thisinterim period the chick is able to eat and drink so as to gain weightand strength. Furthermore, there is no stress to the chick as it is ableto normally partake of nourishment.

Another particular advantage of the invention is the provision ofelectrodes which directly contact and damage the beak tissue.

A further advantage is that the direct contact means provides arelatively low voltage system thereby eliminating the need for a highvoltage arc initiation circuit which has been described in one prior artdevice.

With utilization of the subject invention which damages a mass of tissuethrough the beak, significant advances in reliability, accuracy,uniformity and permanency of the debeaking process have been achieved.Moreover, these enhanced features have been achieved without requiringan operator to develop a high degree of skill or "feel" for thedebeaking process.

Further, the subject method and apparatus effectively isolates anoperator from the power system and eliminates a potential shock hazardto the operator. Additionally, the electrode zone is cooled andvaporized beak tissue is withdrawn into an exhaust system and away froman operator's station.

Another significant aspect of the invention is the high rate ofdebeaking capability as to eliminate major bottleneck in theinoculation/debeaking process.

Still further, the durable mask, preferably quartz, enhances the usefullife of the subject unit and the adjustable electrodes minimize downtime of the unit for adjustment and attention.

In describing the invention, reference has been made to the preferredembodiment, the best mode as required by the statute. Those skilled inthe art, however, and familiar with the disclosure of the subjectinvention may recognize additions, deletions, modifications,substitutions and/or other changes which will fall within the purview ofthe subject invention. As an example, it is envisioned that othermethods and apparatus for burning a hole through a bird's beak may bepracticed in accordance with the invention such as utilization of acoherent beam of light.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for removing appendages of fowlcomprising:electrode means for contacting opposing surfaces of thefowl's appendage; power source means connected to said electrode meansfor supplying an open circuit voltage between the electrodes ofmagnitude sufficient to initiate current flow through the appendage onlywith the opposing surfaces of the appendage in contact with theelectrodes and, with current flow initiated through the appendage, forsupplying a root mean squared current of a predetermined maximum valuesufficient to cause burning of the appendage in the portion between theelectrodes, the system thereby initiating current flow through theappendage of a fowl with the appendage in contact with the electrodesand providing current flow to the electrodes of the value sufficient tocause burning of the appendage.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein thepower source comprises a super isolation constant current transformerhaving power connected to an input winding and said electrode connectedto an output winding.
 3. The system of claim 2 further including controlmeans for monitoring current flow between said electrodes andcontrolling the supply of power to said electrodes in response to themonitored current flow.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said controlmeans comprises means for calculating a time integral of current flowingbetween the electrodes.
 5. A system for removing appendages of fowlcomprising:electrode means for contacting opposing surfaces of thefowl's appendage; power sources means for supplying power to saidelectrode means sufficient to initiate and maintain current flow throughthe appendage of the fowl; control means for monitoring current flowthrough the appendage of the fowl and determining a time integral ofsaid current flow, said control means including means for inhibitingcurrent flow through said appendage in response to a predetermined timeintegral being achieved.
 6. An apparatus for removing an appendate fromavian species such as a beak from fowl comprising:a pair of electrodes;mask means for receiving and positioning said appendage between and incontact with said electrodes, said electrodes being disposed behind saidmask means on opposite sides thereof and said electrodes directlycontacting opposite sides of said appendage; and power means to supplycurrent to said electrodes, whereby upon extension of said appendagethrough said mask means and into contact with said electrodes a circuitis formed across said electrodes through said appendage and resistanceheating damages said appendage.
 7. An apparatus for removing anappendage from avian species such as a beak from fowl comprising:maskmeans having a recess element for accepting a portion of an appendage tobe removed; a pair of electrode means disposed on generally oppositesides of said recess element for receiving the appendage therebetweenand directly contacting opposing side portions of the appendage acceptedby the recess element; and power means for directing current throughsaid electrode means and through the appendage with the appendageaccepted by said recess element and contacted by said electrode means,said current directed through the appendage by said power means being ofsufficient magnitude to damage tissue of the appendage between theelectrode means through resistance heating.
 8. An apparatus for removingan appendage from avian species as defined in claim 7 and furthercomprising:means for holding said electrode means within said maskholder with each of said pair of electrodes projecting normally towardsaid mask bore hole upon diametrically opposite sides of said mask; andapertures radially fashioned into said mask holder upon diametricallyopposite sides thereof for receiving said electrode means in an opposingposture within the interior of said mask holder for contacting opposingsides of an appendage inserted into said mask bore hole.
 9. An apparatusfor removing an appendage from avian species as defined in claim 8 andfurther comprising:means carried by said mask holder for radiallyadjusting the tips of said opposing pair of electrodes mutually towardand away from each other.
 10. An apparatus for removing an appendagefrom avian species as defined in claim 9 and further comprising:meanscarried by said mask holder for axially adjusting said mask with respectto said tips of said opposing pair of electrodes.
 11. An apparatus forremoving an appendage from avian species such as a beak from fowl asdefined in claim 7 wherein said mask means comprises:a face mask havinga conical appendage recess element with a bore hole therein throughwhich the beak of a fowl may extend with the face to the fowl placedinto said recess element; a mask holder having a longitudinallyextending, hollow cylindrical bore receiving and supporting said facemask in one end of said bore, the beak of the fowl extending through thebore hole in said face mask and into the cylindrical bore of said maskholder with the face of the fowl in said recess element.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1 including a face mask having a conical recess forreceiving the face of a fowl and a bore hole through which the beak of afowl protrudes with the face in the recess, and wherein said electrodemeans are positioned behind the face mask so that the beak of the fowlis contacted on opposing sides by the electrode means with the face ofthe fowl in said recess.